Aquaculture Journey Over A Decade
Santhosh Kumar S.
With over 40,000 beneficiaries and consistent yearon- year expansion, aquaculture development has not only improved food security and employment generation, it has positioned Kerala as a progressive state in inland fish farming. The initiatives started by the state Government during the 9th and 11th 5-year plan periods guided a new path for promoting aquaculture. The formation of a task force on Inland fisheries and aquaculture in 2007 under the chairmanship of Dr. M.N. Kutty drew a clear path for the future of aquaculture development in Kerala utilising innovative technologies and through vertical and horizontal diversification. The state’s aquaculture sector has undergone a notable transformation over the past decade, after the implementation of the committee recommendations. The initiatives supported by technological advancements and sustainable practices increased the aquaculture production from 20000 metric tonnes to 41000 metric tonnes from 2016 to 2025.
Various initiatives and policies such as Janakeeya Matsya Krishi initiative aided sustainable aquaculture development by ensuring people participation with the support of local government, while disseminating the idea fish for all, food for all. In addition to that, financial supports were extended to the farmers for setting up of infrastructure and aquaculture inputs. Every year around thousand local bodies were involved in the Janakeeya Matsya Krishi programme. Seed production centres were established and adequate financial assistance were also provided to the farmers for the production of quality seeds. Ecosystem restoration programmes were implemented in major water bodies for the conservation of aquatic resources. Marketing supports were also ensured in field level. Around 150 fish vending outlets were established in potential areas.
District, regional and state level aquatic animal health labs were established for the quick and spontaneous disease monitoring and surveillance system. The development and expansion of species-specific aquaculture practices, such as those suited to brackish water and freshwater fish, especially freshwater IMCs, tilapia, murrel (snakehead), magur (catfish), pangasius, giant river prawn, seabass, pearl spot (Karimeen), climbing perch, catla, rohu, mrigal, and other native species are being given priority. These targeted interventions had boosted the productivity and economic viability of aquaculture in the state. The implementation of the project has brought about structured changes in the aquaculture scenario. Cage farming, raft culture of mussels and IMTA has emerged as highly promising and sustainable model.
Species suitable for aquaculture, which once showed a survival rate of only 30-60%, are now achieving improved survival rates up to 90% through advanced practices. This progress has been particularly evident in the farming of species like pearl spot (Karimeen), Tilapia, and Murrels, which are well-suited for small and mediumscale farming systems. The implementation of scientific techniques has contributed significantly to this progress, the volume of cage farming units, which was around 5000 cubic metre in 2016, increased to 1 lakh cubic metre by 2025, reflecting the rapid growth and acceptance of this sustainable aquaculture model. The success model of cage farming in seven reservoirs of Kerala with the active participation of tribal communities and technical support from ADAK, and financial assistance through PMMSY also contributes a remarkable achievement in aquaculture production.
It also ensures the livelihood of the local communities. The traditional knowledge of fish farming, inherited through generations, along with the practical expertise of farmers and the scientific support through fisheries department with the help of state and central institutions like the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), CIFE, CIBA, CIFT, Kerala University – Aquatic Biology department, CUSAT, ADAK and CMFRI has laid a strong foundation for the development of aquaculture. The implementation of the Janakeeya Matsya Krishi (JMK) project along with Subhiksha Keralam and PMMSY has marked a transformative phase in aquaculture sector of Kerala. The widespread adoption of modern farming models, including RAS, cage culture, biofloc systems, and integrated farming, underscores the growing confidence of fish farmers and stakeholders in aquaculture as a viable livelihood option.
-The writer is South Zone Joint Director at Fisheries Department